As we step into the season of giving thanks, I came across a deeply moving piece by former Wall Street Journal columnist Jonathan Clements. At 61, Jonathan is facing a terminal cancer diagnosis, with less than a year to live. Despite this, he’s embracing what he calls “the long view”—not for himself, but for his wife, children, and the causes he cares about.

Jonathan is using the time he has left to do what matters most: have heartfelt conversations, take meaningful action, and leave a legacy of love and purpose. This is a poignant reminder of how precious our time really is.

This resonates with me on a personal level. I’m also 61, and like many, I find myself thinking there’s always “plenty of time.” But the truth is, none of us knows how much time we have. My own career pivot to wealth advising was shaped by loss—my father passed away from cancer at 67, completely altering my life’s direction.

Yet, like the cobbler whose children have no shoes, I realize I still have unfinished conversations with my own family. This season, I’m reminded that it’s never too early to talk, laugh, cry, and share your gratitude with those you love.

Let’s take the upcoming holidays as a chance to do just that. Investing in these moments of connection today—just like investing for your financial future—pays dividends for years to come.

That’s the true meaning of taking the long view.

One of our all-time favorite columnists, whose insights we’ve shared here before, is Jason Zweig of The Wall Street Journal. Jason authors “The Intelligent Investor,” a column named after Benjamin Graham’s classic book—often referred to as the ultimate guide on investing. (Warren Buffett calls it “the best book about investing ever written!”)

Jason’s opening line in his latest article sums up a core message you’ve seen here for years and in our client letters:

“Investing isn’t about mastering the markets; it’s about mastering yourself.”

Put simply, your behavior as an investor has a greater impact on your long-term returns than any market movement. This is where we come in—to help you stay calm and fully invested, whether markets are booming or turbulent.

As Benjamin Graham said in 1949:  

“The investor’s chief problem—and even his worst enemy—is likely to be himself.”

In today’s environment, staying steady is harder than ever with social media, trading apps, and online distractions. For more on why, we highly recommend Jason’s full article here, which includes links to further resources. And of course, we’re always here to talk through any of these topics—just give us a call or schedule a time here.

As we rapidly approach the 8th Birthday of Odds On: The Making of an Evidence-Based Investor, the book (in all its formats) remains as relevant now as it did when it first launched in 2016. This is a testament to the timelessness of the Taking the Long View investment strategy.

Thousands of people have been exposed to a “new” way of investing, while many others have reaffirmed their beliefs in evidence-based investing. It is the best investment strategy when you take the long view and don’t try to gamble your life savings by timing the market, hitching yourself to a “guru,” or thinking that the “Magnificent 7” is an entertaining cocktail party topic but not the way to build and maintain wealth.

Many clients and friends of the firm, as well as our team members, have gifted Odds On in both its traditional hardback format as well as the audio version that Matt Hall reads to his listeners; however, some folks continue to ask for an “Executive Summary” or a shortcut to taking the long view. Here, we answer that wish with a two-page summary with key takeaways that we hope propels readers to read or listen to the entire “real thing.”

Virtually everyone who gifts Odds On is simply trying to help a friend or family member invest to maximize the odds of success. It’s great to pass on to younger family members, friends, and others who are curious about the path you’ve chosen as an investor and provides a fast and simple way for you to help those close to you.

Obviously, we’re ready to send each of these folks the book or audiobook, too, but this can satisfy an immediate need. For those who are ready, let’s schedule a time to talk by clicking this link.